Disabled woman is gifted a toilet after 18 years

After almost two decades without a toilet, The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has brought hope to Ouma Anna May (48) who has patiently been waiting after being shortlisted for 18 years. Two months ago, Sakkie Bouwers noticed a wheelchair-bound lady being pushed through his yard to gain access to his neighbour.

Bouwers also noted that the woman would always go to her neighbour around the same time and return after only a few minute.. A curious Bouwer enquired about the woman’s situation. He was told that she had no toilet and was using her friend’s toilet. Because of her disability she needed to be assisted by her niece each time she needed to use the facilities. “My neighbour has been an extreme help, even when I have a runny stomach, she always welcomes me to stay because the toilet is closer. Sometimes I am there for three to four months,” Ouma Anna said.

After hearing her story Bouwers immediately engaged with the PA team, who started contributing towards building a toilet for her in her own yard. “The project was so heart-warming that community members also pitched in to alleviate the suffering of Ouma Anna,” the Patriotic Alliance Potchefstroom said. 

The toilet was officially handed over to the Ouma Anna on 6 June 2021. According to Ouma Anna  she was on a shortlist for a project to receive a toilet, but others received theirs and she did not. 

“I had tried numerous times to get a toilet but all my pleas fell on deaf ears,” Ouma Anna said. “Our ward councillor has also never set foot here to come and evaluate my situation,” she added.

18 Years later, she proudly stares at her own toilet and thanks everyone who contributed. 

“I am extremely happy that I no longer have to struggle after all these years, I am thankful,” she concluded.